Rotary type valve device

ABSTRACT

A rotary type valve device includes a rotor having an internal passage and an opening portion which opens to an outer contour surface, a housing which supports the rotor to be rotatable and defines an axial passage communicating with the internal passage and a radial passage facing the outer contour surface and capable of communicate with the opening portion, a passage member disposed in the housing to define a part of the radial passage, and an annular seal member which seals a predetermined second clearance defined between the passage member and the housing, wherein the passage member includes an annular contact portion which is pressed so as to be in close contact with the outer contour surface by a pressure of a fluid flowing from the axial passage, and a pressed portion pressed by the pressure of the fluid flowing from the radial passage through the annular seal member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority of Japan patent application Ser. No. 2017-180374, filed on Sep. 20, 2017. The entirety of the above-mentioned patent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The disclosure relates to a rotary type valve device which rotates a rotor to open and close a fluid passage, and more particularly, to a rotary type valve device applied when a flow of cooling water of an engine mounted in a vehicle or the like is controlled.

Description of Related Art

As a conventional rotary type valve device, a rotary type valve device including a cylindrical rotor which rotates around a predetermined axis, a casing which accommodates the rotor, a tubular seal member interposed between the rotor and the casing, and a drive mechanism which rotationally drives the rotor is known (for example, referring to Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

In this rotary type valve device, the rotor has an internal passage which passes therethrough in an axial direction and an opening portion which opens in an outer circumferential surface thereof The casing has a radial passage which faces the outer circumferential surface of the rotor and communicates with the opening portion and to which a connecting pipe is connected, and an axial passage which communicates with the internal passage of the rotor. Further, the seal member has an inner curved portion disposed on the radial passage side of the casing and formed to be pressed by a pressure of a fluid guided from the radial passage and thus to be brought into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the rotor.

In a use state in which the fluid flows from the radial passage of the casing and flows out from the axial passage, the inner curved portion of the seal member is pressed by the pressure of the fluid and is brought into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the rotor, and thus a desired sealing function can be obtained.

However, when the fluid is used to flow from the axial passage of the casing and flows out from the radial passage, the inner curved portion may be pressed in a direction away from the outer circumferential surface of the rotor by the pressure of the fluid, and a sufficient sealing function cannot be ensured.

Patent Documents

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application, First Publication No. 2013-245737

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application, First Publication No. 2013-245738

SUMMARY

It is an objective of the disclosure to solve the problems of the related art and to provide a rotary type valve device capable of obtaining desired sealing performance regardless of a flow direction of a fluid.

A rotary type valve device of the disclosure includes a rotor having an internal passage formed around a predetermined axis and an opening portion which opens outward from the internal passage to an outer contour surface in a radial direction, a housing which supports the rotor to be rotatable with a predetermined first clearance and defines an axial passage communicating with the internal passage and a radial passage facing the outer contour surface and capable of communicating with the opening portion, a passage member disposed in the housing to define a part of the radial passage; and an annular seal member which seals a predetermined second clearance defined between an outer wall surface of the passage member and an inner wall surface of the housing, wherein the passage member comprises an annular contact portion which is pressed to be in close contact with the outer contour surface by a pressure of a fluid flowing from the axial passage, and a pressed portion pressed by the annular seal member to bring the annular contact portion into close contact with the outer contour surface by the pressure of the fluid flowing from the radial passage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a first embodiment of a rotary type valve device according to the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E1-E1 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a holding member and a passage member included in the rotary type valve device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the passage member and an annular seal member included in the rotary type valve device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state when a fluid flows from a radial passage in the rotary type valve device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state when a fluid flows from an axial passage in the rotary type valve device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a shape and a dimension of the passage member included in the rotary type valve device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the annular seal member included in the rotary type valve device shown in FIG. 1 and is an exploded perspective view of the passage member and the annular seal member.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state when the fluid flows from the radial passage in the rotary type valve device adopting the annular seal member shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state when the fluid flows from the axial passage in the rotary type valve device adopting the annular seal member shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is an external perspective view showing a rotary type valve device according to a second embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the rotary type valve device shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a case in which the rotary type valve device shown in FIG. 11 is applied to a system which controls a flow of cooling water in an engine mounted in a vehicle or the like.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E2-E2 in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a rotor, a passage member, an annular seal member, a biasing spring, and a drive mechanism included in the rotary type valve device shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the rotor, the passage member, the annular seal member, the biasing spring, and the drive mechanism included in the rotary type valve device shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 is a partial exploded cross-sectional view showing the rotor, the passage member, the annular seal member, the biasing spring, and so on included in the rotary type valve device shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along line E3-E3 in FIG. 11 when the rotor is in a rotational position in Mode 3 in the rotary type valve device shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line E4-E4 in FIG. 11 when the rotor is in the rotational position in Mode 3 in the rotary type valve device shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a case in which the rotary type valve device according to the disclosure is applied to a system having another arrangement relationship for controlling the flow of the cooling water in the engine mounted in the vehicle or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A rotary type valve device of the disclosure includes a rotor having an internal passage formed around a predetermined axis and an opening portion which opens outward from the internal passage to an outer contour surface in a radial direction, a housing which supports the rotor to be rotatable with a predetermined first clearance and defines an axial passage communicating with the internal passage and a radial passage facing the outer contour surface and capable of communicating with the opening portion, a passage member disposed in the housing to define a part of the radial passage; and an annular seal member which seals a predetermined second clearance defined between an outer wall surface of the passage member and an inner wall surface of the housing, wherein the passage member comprises an annular contact portion which is pressed to be in close contact with the outer contour surface by a pressure of a fluid flowing from the axial passage, and a pressed portion pressed by the annular seal member to bring the annular contact portion into close contact with the outer contour surface by the pressure of the fluid flowing from the radial passage.

In the rotary type valve device having the above-described configuration, the pressed portion may be formed to be pressed by the pressure of the fluid so that the annular contact portion is brought into close contact with the outer contour surface when the pressure of the fluid flowing from the axial passage through the first clearance acts.

In the rotary type valve device having the above-described configuration, the housing may include a restricting portion which restricts movement of the annular seal member receiving the pressure of the fluid flowing from the axial passage through the first clearance.

In the rotary type valve device having the above-described configuration, the annular seal member may have a concave pressure receiving surface on a side thereof receiving the pressure of the fluid.

The rotary type valve device having the above-described configuration may further include a biasing spring which biases the passage member toward the outer contour surface.

In the rotary type valve device having the above-described configuration, the housing may include the passage member, the annular seal member, and a holding member which holds the biasing spring.

In the rotary type valve device having the above-described configuration, the holding member may have a hooking portion which restricts separation of the holding member in a state in which the passage member is incorporated, and the passage member may have a hooked portion which is hooked by the hooking portion.

In the rotary type valve device having the above-described configuration, the outer contour surface of the rotor may be formed into a spherical surface, the annular seal member may be formed into a circle-annular shape, the pressed portion of the passage member may be formed into a circle-annular stepped surface with which the annular seal member comes into contact detachably, and the annular contact portion of the passage member may be formed as a circle-annular seal lip of which a diameter is larger than the circle-annular stepped surface to be in close contact with the spherical surface.

In the rotary type valve device having the above-described configuration, the rotor may include a plurality of outer contour surfaces which are continuous in a direction of the axis, and the housing may include a plurality of radial passages which face the plurality of outer contour surfaces and are capable of communicating with the opening portion.

In the rotary type valve device having the above-described configuration, the passage member may be formed of a resin material, and the annular seal member may be formed of a rubber material.

The rotary type valve device having the above-described configuration may further include a drive mechanism which rotationally drives the rotor around the axis.

According to the rotary type valve device having the above-described configuration, in both a use form in which the fluid flows from the axial passage to the radial passage and a use form in which the fluid flows from the radial passage to the axial passage, it is possible to ensure a passage with excellent sealing performance.

That is, desired sealing performance can be obtained regardless of the flow direction of the fluid, and thus a rotary type valve device capable of performing desired flow rate control can be obtained.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a rotary type valve device according to the disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 of the accompanying drawings.

-   -   A rotary type valve device M1 according to the first embodiment         includes a housing H, a connecting member 40, a rotor 50 which         rotates around a predetermined axis S, a passage member 60, an         annular seal member 70, a biasing spring 80, and a drive         mechanism 90.

Here, the housing H is formed by a housing body 10, a housing cover 20, and a holding member 30.

-   -   The housing H also defines an axial passage AP in a direction of         the axis S and a radial passage RP which extends in a radial         direction perpendicular to the axis S.

The housing body 10 is formed of a resin material, an aluminum material, or the like and includes an accommodating chamber 11, a recessed portion 12, a bearing portion 13, a bearing portion 14, a fitting portion 15, a flange portion 16, and a joint portion 17.

-   -   The accommodating chamber 11 is formed to accommodate the rotor         50 with a predetermined first clearance C1 to be rotatable         around the axis S.     -   The recessed portion 12 is formed for the drive mechanism 90 to         be disposed therein and is covered by the housing cover 20.

The bearing portion 13 is formed to rotatably support one end side of a rotating shaft 51 of the rotor 50 and includes a fitting hole 13 a which supports a reduced diameter portion 51 a, a fitting hole 13 b which supports a large diameter portion 51 b, and a stepped surface 13 c which is formed at a boundary between the fitting hole 13 a and the fitting hole 13 b and supports a stepped portion 51 c of the rotating shaft 51 in a thrust direction.

The bearing portion 14 is formed to rotatably support the other end side of the rotating shaft 51 of the rotor 50 and includes a fitting hole 14 a which supports a reduced diameter portion 51 d, a contact surface 14 b which supports a stepped portion 51 e of the rotating shaft 51 in the thrust direction, and a plurality of communication holes 14 c which communicate with the inside of the accommodating chamber 11.

-   -   Additionally, after the rotor 50 is inserted into the         accommodating chamber 11, the reduced diameter portion 51 d of         the bearing portion 14 is fitted into the fitting hole 14 a and         is fitted and fixed into the flange portion 16.

The fitting portion 15 includes a stepped fitting hole 15 a which fits a stepped cylindrical portion 31 of the holding member 30, and a recessed portion 15 b which fits a flange portion 37 of the holding member 30.

-   -   The flange portion 16 is formed to be fixed to an application         target such as an engine with screws, bolts, or the like.     -   The joint portion 17 is formed to join and fix the connecting         member 40 by screws, welding, or the like.

The housing cover 20 is formed of a resin material, an aluminum material, or the like and includes a connector 21 which connects an electric wiring connected to the drive mechanism 90 to the outside.

-   -   Additionally, the housing cover 20 is connected to the housing         body 10 using screws to cover the drive mechanism 90 disposed in         the recessed portion 12 of the housing body 10.

The holding member 30 is formed of a resin material, an aluminum material, or the like and includes the stepped cylindrical portion 31, an inner wall surface 32, an inner wall surface 33, an annular stepped portion 34 serving as a restricting portion formed at a boundary between the inner wall surface 32 and the inner wall surface 33, a receiving portion 35, a radial passage 36, the flange portion 37, a fitting portion 38, and a hooking portion 39.

The stepped cylindrical portion 31 is formed to be fitted into the stepped fitting hole 15 a of the housing body 10 with an O-ring interposed therebetween.

-   -   The inner wall surface 32 is formed as a circular inner         circumferential surface to receive the passage member 60 with a         predetermined second clearance C21.     -   Here, the second clearance C21 is defined between an outer wall         surface 61 b of the passage member 60 and the inner wall surface         32 of the holding member 30. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5,         when a fluid flows from the radial passage RP toward the axial         passage AP, a pressure of the fluid is guided to an end surface         74 of the annular seal member 70 through the second clearance         C21.

The inner wall surface 33 expands in diameter larger than the inner wall surface 32, is formed as a circular inner circumferential surface to receive the passage member 60 with a predetermined second clearance C22 and also to fit the annular seal member 70 in cooperation with the outer wall surface 61 b of the passage member 60.

-   -   Here, the second clearance C22 is defined between the outer wall         surface 61 b of the passage member 60 and the inner wall surface         33 of the holding member 30. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6,         when the fluid flows from the axial passage AP toward the radial         passage RP, the pressure of the fluid is guided to an end         surface 73 of the annular seal member 70 and guided to an         annular stepped portion 62 through the first clearance C1 and         the second clearance C22.

The annular stepped portion 34 is formed as a circle-annular contact surface so that the annular seal member 70 can be brought into contact therewith. Additionally, the annular stepped portion 34 serves as a restricting portion which restricts movement of the annular seal member 70 by bringing the annular seal member 70, which receives the pressure of the fluid flowing from the axial passage AP through the first clearance C1 and the second clearance C22, into contact therewith.

-   -   In this way, the end surface 73 of the annular seal member 70         receives the fluid flowing from the axial passage AP through the         first clearance C1 and the second clearance C22 by providing the         annular stepped portion 34 as the restricting portion.         Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the pressure of the fluid can be         reliably applied to an annular contact portion 63 and the         annular stepped portion 62.     -   The receiving portion 35 is formed as a circle-annular seating         surface to receive one end of the biasing spring 80.

The radial passage 36 defines a part of the radial passage RP of the housing H and is formed to communicate with a radial passage 61 a of the passage member 60.

-   -   The flange portion 37 is formed to be fitted into the recessed         portion 15 b of the fitting portion 15.     -   The fitting portion 38 is formed for a coupling portion 42 of         the connecting member 40 to be fitted therein in a state in         which an O-ring is fitted into an annular groove formed in an         outer circumference.

The hooking portion 39 is formed as an L-shaped notch which opens at an end surface of the stepped cylindrical portion 31 to hook a hooked portion 64 of the passage member 60 incorporated in the holding member 30.

-   -   Here, the hooking portion 39 is formed to allow movement of the         hooked portion 64 within a predetermined range in a biasing         direction of the biasing spring 80.     -   That is, the hooked portion 64 is held away from the hooking         portion 39 so that a biasing force of the biasing spring 80 acts         in a state in which the annular contact portion 63 of the         passage member 60 is assembled to be in close contact with an         outer contour surface 52 c of the rotor 50.

As described above, since the holding member 30 formed separately from the housing body 10 is adopted and the hooking portion 39 is provided in the holding member 30 and the hooked portion 64 is provided on the passage member 60, after the biasing spring 80, the annular seal member 70 and the passage member 60 are assembled to the holding member 30, these components are prevented from being separated from the holding member 30 by hooking the hooked portion 64 with the hooking portion 39.

-   -   Additionally, the holding member 30 in which the biasing spring         80, the annular seal member 70, and the passage member 60 are         incorporated can be handled as a modular article and can be         easily assembled to the housing body 10.

The connecting member 40 is formed of a resin material, an aluminum material, another metal material, or the like and includes a flange portion 41 joined to the housing body 10, the coupling portion 42 connected to the fitting portion 38 of the holding member 30, and a pipe portion 43 which connects an external piping.

-   -   The flange portion 41 is fastened to the joint portion 17 of the         housing body 10 by screws and fixed integrally. Incidentally, a         fixing method is not limited to screws, and methods other than         the screws such as welding may be used.     -   The coupling portion 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape to fit         the fitting portion 38 of the holding member 30 in close contact         therewith.     -   The pipe portion 43 is formed in a cylindrical shape to connect         a piping and also to extend in a direction perpendicular to the         axis S. The pipe portion 43 may be bent according to a layout of         the piping to be connected.

The rotor 50 is formed of a resin material having excellent wear resistance and slidability and includes the rotating shaft 51 having the axis S, a valve portion 52, and a plurality of spoke portions 53 which connect the valve portion 52 to the rotating shaft 51.

The rotating shaft 51 includes the reduced diameter portion 51 a fitted into the fitting hole 13 a, the large diameter portion 51 b fitted into the fitting hole 13 b with an O-ring interposed therebetween, the stepped portion 51 c which is in contact with the stepped surface 13 c, the reduced diameter portion 51 d fitted into the fitting hole 14 a, and a stepped portion 51 e which is in contact with the contact surface 14 b.

-   -   The reduced diameter portion 51 a may be fitted into the fitting         hole 13 a via a radial bearing.

The valve portion 52 includes a substantially cylindrical inner wall surface 52 a centered on the axis S, an internal passage 52 b defined between the inner wall surface 52 a and the rotating shaft 51 around the axis S, the outer contour surface 52 c which forms a spherical surface, and an opening portion 52 d which opens outward from the internal passage 52 b to the outer contour surface 52 c in the radial direction perpendicular to the axis S.

-   -   The outer contour surface 52 c is formed as a spherical surface         having a center on the axis S and having a predetermined radius.     -   The opening portion 52 d is formed as a circular hole having a         predetermined inner diameter with a straight line perpendicular         to the axis S as a center line.     -   The spoke portion 53 is formed to discretely connect the valve         portion 52 to the rotating shaft 51 so that the internal passage         52 b passes therethrough in the direction of the axis S.

The passage member 60 is formed of a resin material or the like having excellent wear resistance and slidability, disposed between the rotor 50 and the holding member 30 forming a part of the housing H and defines a part of the radial passage RP.

-   -   As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the passage member 60 includes a         cylindrical portion 61, the annular stepped portion 62 formed on         an outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 61, the         annular contact portion 63 formed to have a larger diameter than         the annular stepped portion 62, two hooked portions 64 which         protrude in the radial direction in the vicinity of the annular         stepped portion 62, and a receiving portion 65 formed to have a         smaller diameter than the cylindrical portion 61.

The cylindrical portion 61 includes the radial passage 61 a which defines a part of the radial passage RP of the housing H at the in side thereof, and the outer wall surface 61 b to the outside of which the annular seal member 70 is closely fitted.

The annular stepped portion 62 is formed as a circle-annular stepped surface so that the annular seal member 70 is detachably brought into contact therewith.

-   -   Additionally, when the pressure of the fluid flowing from the         radial passage RP (36) through the second clearance C21 acts,         the annular stepped portion 62 serves as a pressed portion which         is pressed by the annular seal member 70 to bring the annular         contact portion 63 into close contact with the outer contour         surface 52 c.     -   On the other hand, when the pressure of the fluid flowing from         the axial passage AP through the first clearance C1 acts, the         annular stepped portion 62 can also serve as a pressed portion         which is pressed by the pressure of the fluid to bring the         annular contact portion 63 into close contact with the outer         contour surface 52 c.

The annular contact portion 63 is formed as a circle-annular seal lip which has a diameter larger than that of the annular stepped portion 62 to be in close contact with the spherical outer contour surface 52 c, extends in a flange shape forming an annular circle, and has a predetermined seal width.

-   -   Additionally, when the pressure of the fluid flowing from the         axial passage AP through the first clearance C1 acts, the         annular contact portion 63 is pressed by the pressure of the         fluid to come into close contact with the outer contour surface         52 c.

The hooked portion 64 is framed to be detachably hooked by the hooking portion 39 of the holding member 30.

-   -   Additionally, since the hooked portion 64 is hooked by the         hooking portion 39 in a state in which the passage member 60 is         incorporated in the holding member 30, the passage member 60 is         restricted from being separated from the holding member 30.     -   The receiving portion 65 is formed as a circle-annular seating         surface to receive the other end of the biasing spring 80 in a         state in which the biasing spring 80 is disposed between the         holding member 30 and the passage member 60.

In the passage member 60 having the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, a width dimension W of the annular stepped portion 62 and a length dimension L from the annular stepped portion 62 to the annular contact portion 63 are important values for determining the pressure exerted by the fluid (pressing force excluding the biasing force of the biasing spring 80) to bring the annular contact portion 63 into close contact with the outer contour surface 52 c.

-   -   That is, since the annular contact portion 63 is brought into         close contact with the outer contour surface 52 c by         appropriately determining the width dimension W and the length         dimension L in consideration of desired sealing performance,         sliding resistance, maximum fluid pressure, biasing force of the         biasing spring 80, and so on, it is possible to ensure a desired         pressing force.

The annular seal member 70 is formed of a rubber material in a circle-annular shape having a substantially rectangular cross section and includes an inner circumferential surface 71, an outer circumferential surface 72, an end surface 73, and an end surface 74.

-   -   The inner circumferential surface 71 is formed to be in close         contact with the outer wall surface 61 b of the passage member         60.     -   The outer circumferential surface 72 is formed to be in close         contact with the inner wall surface 33 of the holding member 30.     -   The end surface 73 is formed to detachably come into contact         with the annular stepped portion 62 of the passage member 60.     -   The end surface 74 is formed to detachably come into contact         with the annular stepped portion 34 of the holding member 30.     -   When the rubber material is molded, the annular seal member 70         may be formed by embedding a reinforcing ring formed of a metal         material or the like.

The biasing spring 80 is a compression type coil spring, is accommodated inside the holding member 30 and disposed in a compressed state so that one end thereof is in contact with the receiving portion 35 of the holding member 30 and the other end is in contact with the receiving portion 65 of the passage member 60.

-   -   Additionally, the biasing spring 80 exerts a biasing force to         bias the passage member 60 toward the rotor 50 so that the         annular contact portion 63 is brought into close contact with         the outer contour surface 52 c.     -   As described above, since the biasing spring 80 is provided, in         a use region in which the pressure of the fluid is low, the         biasing force of the biasing spring 80 biases the passage member         60 against the rotor 50 so that the annular contact portion 63         can be brought into close contact with the outer contour surface         52 c.

In the above-described configuration, the housing H rotatably supports the rotor 50 with the first clearance C1 therebetween and defines the axial passage AP which communicates with the internal passage 52 b of the rotor 50 and the radial passage RP which faces the outer contour surface 52 c of the rotor 50 and can communicate with the opening portion 52 d.

-   -   Here, since the rotor 50 is rotatably supported in the housing H         with the first clearance C1 therebetween, it is possible to         prevent locking, malfunction, or the like due to biting of small         foreign substances when the foreign substances such as granular         substances are mixed in the fluid.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drive mechanism 90 includes a motor 91, a pinion 91 a fixed to a rotating shaft of the motor 91, a two-stage gear 92, a gear 93, and a worm wheel 94.

-   -   The two-stage gear 92 has coaxially a large diameter gear 92 a         which meshes with the pinion 91 a, and a small diameter gear 92         b.     -   The gear 93 has coaxially a large diameter gear 93 a which         meshes with the small diameter gear 92 b, and a worm 93 b.     -   The worm wheel 94 meshes with the worm 9 b and is fixed to the         reduced diameter portion 51 a of the rotating shaft 51.

Additionally, due to rotation of the motor 91, the rotor 50 is rotationally driven around the axis S through the pinion 91 a→the two-stage gear 92→the gear 93→the worm wheel 94, and thus a position of the opening portion 52 d with respect to the radial passage 61 a is appropriately adjusted.

That is, as a rotational position of the rotor 50 is appropriately adjusted by the drive mechanism 90, a flow rate of the fluid flowing from the axial passage AP toward the radial passage RP or a flow rate of the fluid flowing from the radial passage RP toward the axial passage AP is controlled.

Next, an operation of the rotary type valve device M1 will be described.

-   -   Here, when the rotor 50 is rotationally driven by appropriately         controlling the drive mechanism 90 and the opening portion 52 d         faces the radial passage 61 a of the passage member 60, the         rotary type valve device M1 is in a fully open state, and when         the rotor 50 is gradually rotated, an opening area becomes         narrow and the flow rate decreases, and when the outer contour         surface 52 c other than the opening portion 52 d faces the         radial passage 61 a of the passage member 60, the rotary type         valve device M1 is in a fully closed state.     -   Further, even when the fluid does not flow, the passage member         60 is pressed against the rotor 50 by the biasing force of the         biasing spring 80 so that the annular contact portion 63 is         brought into close contact with the outer contour surface 52 c.

As one use form, when the fluid flows from the radial passage RP toward the axial passage AP, the flow is as shown in FIG. 5.

-   -   That is, the fluid guided from the connecting member 40 passes         through the radial passages 36 and 61 a serving as the radial         passage RP and is supplied to a downstream supply destination         connected to the flange portion 16 from the axial passage AP via         the opening portion 52 d of the rotor 50→the internal passage 52         b.

In this flow of the fluid, the pressure of the fluid flowing from the radial passage 36 through the second clearance C21 acts on the end surface 74 of the annular seal member 70.

-   -   Therefore, the annular seal member 70 pressed by the pressure of         the fluid comes into contact with the annular stepped portion         (pressed portion) 62 of the passage member 60 and presses the         passage member 60 toward the rotor 50 so that the annular         contact portion 63 comes into close contact with the outer         contour surface 52 c.

In this way, since, in addition to the biasing force of the biasing spring 80, the pressure of the fluid flowing from the radial passage RP through the second clearance C21 exerts a pressing force on the passage member 60 via the annular seal member 70, the annular contact portion 63 is reliably brought into close contact with the outer contour surface 52 c, and the desired sealing performance can be obtained.

-   -   When the pressure of the fluid is low, a behavior of the fluid         tending to leak is also weak, and the biasing force of the         biasing spring 80 acts as the pressing force, and thus the         annular contact portion 63 is reliably brought into close         contact with the outer contour surface 52 c and the desired         sealing performance can be obtained.

As another use form, when the fluid flows from the axial passage AP toward the radial passage RP, the flow is as shown in FIG. 6.

-   -   That is, the fluid guided from an upstream supply source         connected to the flange portion 16 flows from the axial passage         AP through the internal passage 52 b of the rotor 50→the opening         portion 52 d to the radial passages 61 a and 36 serving as the         radial passage RP and is supplied from the connecting member 40         to the downstream supply destination.

In this flow of the fluid, the pressure of the fluid flowing from the axial passage AP through the first clearance C1 and the second clearance 22 acts on the end surface 73 of the annular seal member 70.

-   -   Therefore, the annular seal member 70 pressed by the pressure of         the fluid comes into contact with the annular stepped portion         (restricting portion) 34 of the holding member 30, and the         movement thereof is restricted.

Additionally, the pressure of the fluid flowing into the second clearance C22 effectively acts on the annular stepped portion (pressed portion) 62 of the passage member 60 and the annular contact portion 63.

-   -   Therefore, the pressure of the fluid flowing into this region         causes the passage member 60 to be pressed toward the rotor 50,         and the annular contact portion 63 is brought into close contact         with the outer contour surface 52 c.

In this way, since, in addition to the biasing force of the biasing spring 80, the pressure of the fluid flowing from the axial passage AP through the first clearance C1 directly acts on the annular stepped portion 62 of the passage member 60 and the annular contact portion 63, the annular contact portion 63 is reliably brought into close contact with the outer contour surface 52 c, and the desired sealing performance can be obtained.

-   -   When the pressure of the fluid is low, the behavior of the fluid         tending to leak is also weak, and the biasing force of the         biasing spring 80 acts as the pressing force, and thus the         annular contact portion 63 is reliably brought into close         contact with the outer contour surface 52 c and the desired         sealing performance can be obtained.

According to the rotary type valve device M1 having such a configuration, it is possible to secure the passage having excellent sealing performance in both the use form in which the fluid flows from the axial passage AP to the radial passage RP and the use form in which the fluid flows from the radial passage RP to the axial passage AP.

-   -   That is, desired sealing performance can be obtained regardless         of the direction of fluid flow, and desired flow rate control         can be performed.

FIG. 8 shows a modified example in which an annular seal member 70 having a concave pressure receiving surface is employed in place of the above-described annular seal member 70.

-   -   The annular seal member 710 is formed of a rubber material in a         circle-annular shape forming a substantially V or U-shaped cross         section and includes an inner circumferential surface 711, an         outer circumferential surface 712, an end surface 713, and a         concave pressure receiving surface 714.     -   The inner circumferential surface 711 is formed to be in close         contact with the outer wall surface 61 b of the passage member         60.     -   The outer circumferential surface 712 is formed to be in close         contact with the inner wall surface 33 of the holding member 30.     -   The end surface 713 is formed to be in contact with the annular         stepped portion 62 of the passage member 60 or the annular         stepped portion 34 of the holding member 30.     -   The pressure receiving surface 714 is formed so that the inner         circumferential surface 711 and the outer circumferential         surface 712 can be pressed and expanded in the radial direction         upon receiving the pressure of the fluid flowing through the         first clearance C1 or the second clearance C21.     -   In addition, a reinforcing ring formed of a metal material or         the like is embedded in the annular seal member 710 when the         rubber material is molded.

That is, the annular seal member 710 is assembled so that the pressure of fluid acts on the pressure receiving surface 714.

-   -   Therefore, in the use form in which the fluid flows from the         radial passage RP toward the axial passage AP, as shown in FIG.         9 the pressure receiving surface 714 faces the annular stepped         portion 34 of the holding member 30, and the end surface 713 is         in contact with the annular stepped portion 62 of the passage         member 60.     -   On the other hand, in the use form in which the fluid flows from         the axial passage AP toward the radial passage RP, as shown in         FIG. 10, the pressure receiving surface 714 faces the annular         stepped portion 62 of the passage member 60, and the end surface         713 is in contact with the annular stepped portion 34 of the         holding member 30.

The operation of the rotary type valve device M1 in which the annular seal member 710 is incorporated is the same as those described above, and an action of the pressure receiving surface 714 is added.

-   -   As one use form, when the fluid flows from the radial passage RP         toward the axial passage AP, the flow is as shown in FIG. 9.     -   That is, in the flow of the fluid, the pressure of the fluid         flowing from the radial passage 36 through the second clearance         C21 acts on the pressure receiving surface 714 of the annular         seal member 710.

Therefore, the annular seal member 710 pressed by the pressure of the fluid comes into contact with the annular stepped portion (pressed portion) 62 of the passage member 60 and presses the passage member 60 toward the rotor 50 so that the annular contact portion 63 is brought into close contact with the outer contour surface 52 c.

-   -   Further, due to the pressure of the fluid acting on the pressure         receiving surface 714, the annular seal member 710 is pressed         and expanded in the radial direction thereof, the inner         circumferential surface 711 is pressed to be in closer contact         with the outer wall surface 61 b, and the outer circumferential         surface 712 is also pressed to be in closer contact with to the         inner circumferential surface 33.

In this way, in addition to the biasing force of the biasing spring 80, the pressure of the fluid flowing from the radial passage RP through the second clearance C21 exerts the pressing force on the passage member 60 via the annular seal member 710 and also presses the annular seal member 710 against the passage member 60 and the holding member 30.

-   -   Therefore, the annular seal member 710 is brought into close         contact with the passage member 60 and the holding member 30,         the annular contact portion 63 is reliably brought into close         contact with the outer contour surface 52 c, and thus the         sealing performance can be enhanced.     -   When the pressure of the fluid is low, the behavior of the fluid         tending to leak is also weak, and the biasing force of the         biasing spring 80 acts as the pressing force as described above,         thus the annular contact portion 63 is reliably brought into         close contact with the outer contour surface 52 c, and the         desired sealing performance can be obtained.

As another usage form, when the fluid flows from the axial passage AP toward the radial passage RP, the flow is as shown in FIG. 10.

-   -   That is, in the flow of the fluid, the pressure of the fluid         flowing from the axial passage AP through the first clearance C1         and the second clearance C22 acts on the pressure receiving         surface 714 of the annular seal member 710.

Therefore, the annular seal member 710 pressed by the pressure of the fluid comes into contact with the annular stepped portion (restricting portion) 34 of the holding member 30, and the movement thereof is restricted.

-   -   Further, due to the pressure of the fluid acting on the pressure         receiving surface 714, the annular seal member 710 is pressed         and expanded in the radial direction thereof, the inner         circumferential surface 711 is pressed to be in closer contact         with the outer wall surface 61 b, and the outer circumferential         surface 712 is also pressed to be in closer contact with the         inner circumferential surface 33.     -   Additionally, the pressure of the fluid flowing into the second         clearance C22 effectively acts on the annular stepped portion         (pressed portion) 62 of the passage member 60 and the annular         contact portion 63.     -   Therefore, the pressure of the fluid flowing into this region         causes the passage member 60 to be pressed toward the rotor 50,         and the annular contact portion 63 is brought into close contact         with the outer contour surface 52 c.

In this way, in addition to the biasing force of the biasing spring 80, the pressure of the fluid flowing from the axial passage AP through the first clearance C1 presses the annular seal member 710 against the passage member 60 and the holding member 30 and also directly acts on the annular stepped portion 62 of the passage member 60 and the annular contact portion 63.

-   -   Therefore, the annular seal member 710 is brought into close         contact with the passage member 60 and the holding member 30,         the annular contact portion 63 is reliably brought into close         contact with the outer contour surface 52 c, and thus the         sealing performance can be enhanced.     -   When the pressure of the fluid is low, the behavior of the fluid         tending to leak is also weak, and the biasing force of the         biasing spring 80 acts as the pressing force as described above,         thus the annular contact portion 63 is reliably brought into         close contact with the outer contour surface 52 c, and the         desired sealing performance can be obtained.

As described above, according to the rotary type valve device M1 in which the annular seal member 710 is incorporated, it is possible to secure the passage having excellent sealing performance in both the use form in which the fluid flows from the axial passage AP to the radial passage RP and the use form in which the fluid flows from the radial passage RP to the axial passage AP.

-   -   That is, the desired sealing performance can be obtained         regardless of the flow direction of the fluid, and desired flow         rate control can be performed.     -   A case in which an assembling direction of the annular seal         member 710 is changed according to the use forms as described         above is also within the scope of the disclosure.     -   The configuration in which the holding member 30 and the         connecting member 40 are separately formed and incorporated has         been described in the first embodiment. However, the disclosure         is not limited thereto, and a configuration in which the holding         member 30 and the connection member 40 are integrally formed may         be adopted.

Next, a second embodiment of the rotary type valve device according to the disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 20 of the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

-   -   A rotary type valve device M2 according to the second embodiment         includes a housing H2, two connecting members 410 and 420, a         rotor 500 which rotates around a predetermined axis S, three         passage members 60, three annular seal members 710, three         biasing springs 80, a drive mechanism 90, and a thermostat 600.

The housing H2 is formed by a housing body 100, a housing cover 20, and three holding members 310, 320 and 330.

-   -   Further, the housing H2 also defines an axial passage AP in a         direction of the axis S and a radial passage RP which extends in         a radial direction perpendicular to the axis S.     -   The three passage members 60, three annular seal members 710,         and three biasing springs 80 are for red as substantially         similar shapes having different dimensions according to mounting         positions thereof, but because they are functionally identical         to those in the above-described embodiment, they are designated         by the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 13, the rotary type valve device M2 is applied to a cooling water control system for controlling a flow of cooling water of an engine 1 mounted in a vehicle.

-   -   The cooling water control system includes a water pump 2         assembled to the engine 1, the rotary type valve device M2         installed on an upstream side of the water pump 2, a radiator 3,         a heater 4, an EGR cooler 5, and a throttle unit 6.

The rotary type valve device M2 is connected to the radiator 3 via a piping L1, to the heater 4 via a piping L2, to the EGR cooler 5 via a piping L3 and to the throttle unit 6 via a piping L4.

-   -   Also, an outlet 1 a of the engine 1 is connected to the radiator         3 via a piping L5, to the heater 4 via a piping L6, to the EGR         cooler 5 via a piping L7 and to the throttle unit 6 via a piping         L8.     -   Additionally, the cooling water discharged from the outlet 1 a         of the engine 1 due to a pumping action of the water pump 2         flows from the radial passage RP of the rotary type valve device         M2 and flows out from the axial passage AP and flows into the         water pump 2 through the piping L5→the radiator 3→the piping L1,         the piping L6→the heater 4→the piping L2, the piping L7→the EGR         cooler 5→the piping L3 and the piping L8→the throttle unit 6→the         piping L4, respectively.

The housing body 100 is formed of a resin material, an aluminum material, or the like and includes an accommodating chamber 11, a recessed portion 12, a bearing portion 13, a bearing portion 14, three fitting portions 15, a flange portion 16, four joint portions 117, 118, 119 and 120, and an accommodating portion which accommodates the thermostat 600.

-   -   The three fitting portions 15 are formed as substantially         similar shapes having different dimensions, but because they are         functionally identical to those in the above-described         embodiment, they are designated by the same reference numerals.     -   The accommodating chamber 11 is formed to accommodate the rotor         500 with a predetermined first clearance C1 to be rotatable         around the axis S.

The joint portion 117 is formed to join and fix the connecting member 410 by screws.

-   -   The joint portion 118 is formed to join and fix the connecting         member 420 by screws in a region of the fitting portion 15 into         which the holding member 310 is fitted.     -   The joint portion 119 is formed to join and fix the holding         member 320 by screws in a region of the fitting portion 15 into         which the holding member 320 is fitted.     -   The joint portion 120 is formed to join and fix the holding         member 330 by screws in a region of the fitting portion 15 into         which the holding member 330 is fitted.

The holding member 310 holds the passage member 60, the annular seal member 710 and the biasing spring 80 which face an opening portion 524 a of the rotor 500 and includes a stepped cylindrical portion 31, an inner wall surface 32, an inner wall surface 33, an annular stepped portion 34, a receiving portion 35, a radial passage 36, a flange portion 37, a fitting portion 38, a hooking portion 39, and a bypass passage 311 which communicates with the thermostat 600.

-   -   The bypass passage 311 allows the axial passage AP and a passage         of the connecting member 420 to communicate with each other when         the thermostat 600 opens at a predetermined temperature or more.

The holding member 320 holds the passage member 60, the annular seal member 710 and the biasing spring 80 which face an opening portion 523 a of the rotor 500 and includes the stepped cylindrical portion 31, the inner wall surface 32, the inner wall surface 33, the annular stepped portion 34, the receiving portion 35, the radial passage 36, the fitting portion 38, the hooking portion 39, a flange portion 321, and a pipe portion 322 which connects the piping L2.

-   -   The flange portion 321 is fitted into a recessed portion 15 b         formed in the fitting portion 15 of the housing body 100 and         fastened and fixed by screws.

The holding member 330 holds the passage member 60, the annular seal member 710, and the biasing spring 80 which face an opening portion 524 b of the rotor 500 and includes the stepped cylindrical portion 31, the inner wall surface 32, the inner wall surface 33, the annular stepped portion 34, the receiving portion 35, the radial passage 36, the fitting portion 38, the hooking portion 39, a flange portion 331, and a pipe portion 332 which connects the piping L4.

-   -   The flange portion 331 is fitted into the recessed portion 15 b         formed in the fitting portion 15 of the housing body 100 and         fastened and fixed by screws.

The connecting member 410 includes a flange portion 411 joined to the housing body 100 and a pipe portion 412 which connects the piping L3.

-   -   The flange portion 411 is fastened and fixed to the joint         portion 117 of the housing body 100 with screws.     -   Additionally, regardless of a rotational position of the rotor         500, the connecting member 410 always communicates with the         axial passage AP in the housing H2, and the pipe portion 412 is         connected to the EGR cooler 5 via the piping L3.

The connecting member 420 includes a flange portion 421 joined to the housing body 100, a coupling portion 42, a bypass passage 423 which communicates with the thermostat 600, and a pipe portion 424 which connects the piping L1.

-   -   The flange portion 421 is fastened and fixed to the joint         portion 118 of the housing body 100 by screws.     -   The bypass passage 423 cooperates with the bypass passage 311 to         communicate the axial passage AP with the passage of the         connecting member 420 when the thermostat 600 opens at the         predetermined temperature or more.

The rotor 500 is formed of a resin material having excellent wear resistance and slidability and includes a rotating shaft 51 having the axis S, a valve portion 520, and a plurality of spoke portions 530 which connects the valve portion 520 to the rotating shaft 51.

The valve portion 520 includes a substantially cylindrical inner wall surface 521 centered on the axis S, an internal passage 522 defined between the inner wall surface 521 and the rotating shaft 51 around the axis S, two spherical outer contour surfaces 523 and 524 which are continuous in the direction of the axis S, two opening portions 523 a and 523 b which open outward from the internal passage 522 to the outer contour surface 523 in the radial direction perpendicular to the axis S, and two opening portions 524 a and 524 b which open outward from the internal passage 522 to the outer contour surface 524 in the radial direction perpendicular to the axis S.

Each of the outer contour surfaces 523 and 524 is formed as a spherical surface having a center on the axis S and having a predetermined radius.

-   -   As shown in FIG. 16, the opening portion 523 a is formed as a         circular hole having a predetermined inner diameter with a         straight line perpendicular to the axis S as a center line in         the outer contour surface 523 and also formed so that a central         angle around the axis S occupies about 20 degrees.     -   As shown in FIG. 16, the opening portion 523 b is formed as a         long hole which extends in a circumferential direction with the         same width as an inner diameter of the opening portion 523 a in         the outer contour surface 523 and also formed so that a central         angle around the axis S occupies about 50 degrees.     -   As shown in FIG. 15, the opening portion 524 a is formed as a         long hole which extends in the circumferential direction with an         opening area larger than that of the opening portion 523 a in         the outer contour surface 524 and also formed so that a central         angle around the axis S occupies about 90 degrees.     -   As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the opening portion 524 b is formed         as a long hole which extends in the circumferential direction         with a width narrower than that of the opening portion 524 a in         the outer contour surface 524 and also formed so that a central         angle around the axis S occupies about 120 degrees.

Here, a center of the opening portion 523 b is formed at a position in which a phase thereof is deviated from a center of the opening 523 a by about 100 degrees in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 18.

-   -   A center of the opening portion 524 a is formed at a position in         which a phase thereof is deviated from a center of the opening         523 a by about 80 degrees in the counterclockwise direction in         FIG. 18 and FIG. 19.     -   A center of the opening portion 524 b is formed at a position in         which a phase thereof is deviated from a center of the opening         523 a by about 60 degrees in the clockwise direction in FIG. 18         and FIG. 19.

The spoke portion 530 is formed to discretely connect the valve portion 520 to the rotating shaft 51 so that the internal passage 522 passes therethrough in the direction of the axis S.

-   -   In the second embodiment, the annular contact portions 63 of the         three passage members 60 are pressed to be in close contact with         the outer contour surfaces 523 and 524 of the rotor 500,         respectively.

The thermostat 600 includes a temperature sensing medium and performs a valve opening operation by expansion of the temperature sensing medium to communicate the axial passage AP with a passage of the connecting member 420 (a passage in the pipe portion 424) communicating with the piping L1 when the temperature of the fluid becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined level.

Next, an operation of the rotary type valve device M2 will be described.

-   -   Here, the cooling water of the engine 1 is set to flow from the         radial passage RP toward the axial passage AP.     -   Further, the rotation of the rotor 500 is appropriately         controlled by the driving mechanism 90, and states of Mode 1,         Mode 2, Mode 3, Mode 4, and Mode 5 can be set.     -   In all Modes, the EGR cooler 5 is in a state in which the         cooling water can always be supplied regardless of the         rotational position of the rotor 500.

In Mode 1, the supply of the cooling water to the radiator 3 and the heater 4 is stopped, and the cooling water is supplied to the EGR cooler 5 and the throttle unit 6.

-   -   That is, Mode 1 is established in a state in which the rotor 500         is rotated about 90 degrees from the position shown in FIGS. 18         and 19 in the counterclockwise direction.     -   In this state, the radial passages 36 and 61 a in a region of         the holding member 310 communicating with the radiator 3 are         blocked by the outer contour surface 524, the radial passages 36         and 61 a in a region of the holding member 320 communicating         with the heater 4 are blocked by the outer contour surface 523,         and the radial passages 36 and 61 a in a region of the holding         member 330 communicating with the throttle unit 6 communicate         with the opening portion 524 b.

In Mode 2, the supply of the cooling water to the radiator 3 is stopped, and the cooling water is supplied to the heater 4, the EGR cooler 5 and the throttle unit 6.

-   -   That is, Mode 2 is established in a state in which the rotor 500         is rotated about 70 degrees from the position shown in FIGS. 18         and 19 in the counterclockwise direction.     -   In this state, the radial passages 36 and 61 a in the region of         the holding member 310 communicating with the radiator 3 are         blocked by the outer contour surface 524, the radial passages 36         and 61 a in the region of the holding member 320 communicating         with the heater 4 communicate with the opening portion 523 a,         and the radial passages 36 and 61 a in the region of the holding         member 330 communicating with the throttle unit 6 communicate         with the opening portion 524 b.

In Mode 3, the supply of the cooling water to the heater 4 is stopped, and the cooling water is supplied to the radiator 3, the EGR cooler 5, and the throttle unit 6. That is, Mode 3 is established in a state in which the rotor 500 is in positions shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.

-   -   In this state, the radial passages 36 and 61 a in the region of         the holding member 320 communicating with the heater 4 are         blocked by the outer contour surface 523, the radial passages 36         and 61 a in the region of the holding member 310 communicating         with the radiator 3 communicate with the opening portion 524 a,         and the radial passages 36 and 61 a in the region of the holding         member 330 communicating with the throttle unit 6 communicate         with the opening portion 524 b.

In Mode 4, the cooling water is supplied to the radiator 3, the heater 4, the EGR cooler 5, and the throttle unit 6.

-   -   That is, Mode 4 is established in a state in which the rotor 500         is rotated back and forth about 15 degrees from the positions         shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 in the clockwise direction.     -   In this state, the radial passages 36 and 61 a in the region of         the holding member 310 communicating with the radiator 3         communicate with the opening portion 524 a, the radial passages         36 and 61 a in the region of the holding member 320         communicating with the heater 4 communicate with the opening         portion 523 b, and the radial passages 36 and 61 a of the region         of the holding member 330 communicating with the throttle unit 6         communicate with the opening portion 524 b.

In Mode 5, the supply of the cooling water to the throttle unit 6 is stopped, and the cooling water is supplied to the radiator 3, the heater 4, and the EGR cooler 5.

-   -   That is, Mode 5 is established in a state in which the rotor 500         is rotated back and forth about 40 degrees from the positions         shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 in the clockwise direction.     -   In this state, the radial passages 36 and 61 a in the region of         the holding member 330 communicating with the throttle unit 6         are blocked by the outer contour surface 524, the radial         passages 36 and 61 a in the region of the holding member 310         communicating with the radiator 3 communicate with the opening         portion 524 a, and the radial passages 36 and 61 a in the region         of the holding member 320 communicating with the heater 4         communicate with the opening portion 523 b.

In all Modes described above, the pressure of the cooling water flowing from the radial passage 36 into the second clearance C21 acts on the pressure receiving surface 714 of the annular seal member 710.

-   -   Therefore, the annular seal member 710 pressed by the pressure         of the cooling water comes into contact with the annular stepped         portion (pressed portion) 62 of the passage member 60 and         presses the passage member 60 toward the rotor 500 so that the         annular contact portion 63 is brought into close contact with         the outer contour surfaces 523 and 534.     -   Further, due to the pressure of the fluid acting on the pressure         receiving surface 714, the annular seal member 710 is pressed         and expanded in the radial direction thereof, the inner         circumferential surface 711 is pressed to be in closer contact         with the outer wall surface 61 b, and the outer circumferential         surface 712 is also pressed to be in closer contact with the         inner circumferential surface 33.

In this way, in addition to the biasing force of the biasing spring 80, the pressure of the fluid flowing from the radial passage RP through the second clearance C21 exerts a pressing force on the passage member 60 via the annular seal member 710 and also presses the annular seal member 710 against the passage member 60 and the holding member 30.

-   -   Therefore, the annular seal member 710 is brought into close         contact with the passage member 60 and the holding member 30,         and the annular contact portion 63 is reliably brought into         close contact with the outer contour surfaces 523 and 524, and         thus the sealing performance can be enhanced.

On the other hand, when the rotary type valve device M2 is used in the cooling water control system through which the cooling water flows from the axial passage AP toward the radial passage RP as shown in FIG. 20, it is possible to ensure similar sealing performance by incorporating the annular seal member 710 so that the pressure of the cooling water flowing from the axial passage AP through the first clearance C1 and the second clearance C22 acts on the pressure receiving surface 714 as shown in FIG. 10.

-   -   The case in which the annular seal member 710 is employed has         been described in the above-described rotary type valve device         M2, but the annular seal member 70 may be incorporated like the         above-described embodiment.

In the above-described embodiment, the annular seal member 70 having a substantially rectangular cross section and the annular seal member 710 having a substantially U or V-shaped cross section are shown as the annular seal member. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and an annular seal member in which the concave pressure receiving surface is formed on both end surfaces may be adopted as long as it can maintain a shape of a predetermined range with respect to the pressure of the fluid.

In the above-described embodiment, the rotors 50 and 500 having the spherical outer contour surfaces 52 c, 523 and 524 are shown as the rotor. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and a rotor having a cylindrical outer contour surface may be adopted, and a cylindrical passage member having an annular contact portion which can come into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the rotor may be adopted as the passage member.

As described above, since the rotary type valve device according to the disclosure can ensure the passage having the excellent sealing performance in both the use form in which the fluid flows from the axial passage to the radial passage and the use form in which the fluid flows from the radial passage to the axial passage, it can be applied not only to a cooling water control system of a vehicle or the like but also to a fluid control system for controlling a flow of other fluids. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A rotary type valve device, comprising: a rotor having an internal passage formed around a predetermined axis and an opening portion which opens outward from the internal passage to an outer contour surface in a radial direction; a housing which supports the rotor to be rotatable with a predetermined first clearance and defines an axial passage communicating with the internal passage and a radial passage facing the outer contour surface and capable of communicating with the opening portion; a passage member disposed in the housing to define a part of the radial passage; and an annular seal member which seals a predetermined second clearance defined between an outer wall surface of the passage member and an inner wall surface of the housing, wherein the passage member comprises an annular contact portion which is pressed to be in close contact with the outer contour surface by a pressure of a fluid flowing from the axial passage, and a pressed portion pressed by the annular seal member to bring the annular contact portion into close contact with the outer contour surface by the pressure of the fluid flowing from the radial passage.
 2. The rotary type valve device according to claim 1, wherein the pressed portion is formed to be pressed by the pressure of the fluid so that the annular contact portion is brought into close contact with the outer contour surface when the pressure of the fluid flowing from the axial passage through the first clearance acts.
 3. The rotary type valve device according to claim 2, wherein the housing comprises a restricting portion which restricts movement of the annular seal member receiving the pressure of the fluid flowing from the axial passage through the first clearance.
 4. The rotary type valve device according to claim 1, wherein the annular seal member has a concave pressure receiving surface on a side thereof receiving the pressure of the fluid.
 5. The rotary type valve device according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing spring which biases the passage member toward the outer contour surface.
 6. The rotary type valve device according to claim 5, wherein the housing comprises the passage member, the annular seal member, and a holding member which holds the biasing spring.
 7. The rotary type valve device according to claim 6, wherein the holding member has a hooking portion which restricts separation of the holding member in a state in which the passage member is incorporated, and the passage member has a hooked portion which is hooked by the hooking portion.
 8. The rotary type valve device according to claim 1, wherein the outer contour surface of the rotor is formed into a spherical surface, the annular seal member is formed into a circle-annular shape, the pressed portion of the passage member is formed into an circle-annular stepped surface with which the annular seal member comes into contact detachably, and the annular contact portion of the passage member is formed as a circle-annular seal lip of which a diameter is larger than the circle-annular stepped surface to be in close contact with the spherical surface.
 9. The rotary type valve device according to claim 8, wherein the rotor comprises a plurality of outer contour surfaces which are continuous in a direction of the axis, and the housing comprises a plurality of radial passages which face the plurality of outer contour surfaces and are capable of communicating with the opening portion.
 10. The rotary type valve device according to claim 1, wherein the passage member is formed of a resin material, and the annular seal member is formed of a rubber material.
 11. The rotary type valve device according to claim 1, further comprising a drive mechanism which rotationally drives the rotor around the axis. 